Many people ask if Summit Basketball Academy is a part of a specific circuit. We have thought long and hard about opportunities we’ve had to join various circuits, and after many intentional conversations with shoe circuit coaches and current college coaches, we’ve decided to remain an independent club team for the spring and summer of 2026.

Here’s why:

🧠 1. Player Development Comes First

Summit’s mission has always been centered on long-term player development. We prioritize skill development, basketball IQ, decision-making, confidence, and character — not just games and exposure. Independence allows us to design training, competition, and schedules that support real growth, not shortcuts.

🏆 2. Competitive Opportunities That Fit Each Team

Staying independent gives us the flexibility to schedule high-quality competition that aligns with where each team and player truly are developmentally. Rather than being locked into a single circuit, we can seek out the best matchups to challenge and stretch our athletes at the right time.

With this in mind, we are going to have our older Select teams travel for at least two events this summer, including at least one "live period" event. We've received invitations from several different circuits to participate in one of their events, which will allow us to gather more information on what circuit might be the best long-term fit for the program as a whole.

📍 3. Flexibility for Families

We understand that time, travel, and financial commitments vary across families. Independence allows us to be intentional with scheduling, balance local and regional competition, and avoid unnecessary travel that doesn’t directly serve player development.

📚 4. Staying Aligned With Our Core Values

Our program is built on accountability, work ethic, growth, and doing things the right way. Remaining independent allows us to continue innovating, teaching, and coaching in ways that stay true to those values — without outside pressure to prioritize exposure over development.

🎓 5. Smart Timing for College Exposure

In today’s recruiting landscape, fewer high school players are recruited early due to the rise of the transfer portal and junior college recruiting. What this means is timing matters more than ever.

The most important exposure windows are:

• The AAU season before junior year

• Junior year of high school

• The AAU season before senior year (most important window)

• Senior year itself

Before those stages, the priority should be development, not being “seen.” Our approach is to help athletes build real skills, confidence, and production early so that when the recruiting window opens, they are prepared to perform at their best. Exposure is most valuable when players are ready for it — and that’s exactly what we’re preparing them for.

In addition, in order to help prepare our players for top competition, we'll be setting up times for our older teams to play against both current varsity level HS players and college players. This will help maximize preparedness for the players with having to travel all over creation to find higher-level competition.

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I am incredibly proud of our athletes and the coaches involved with Summit Basketball Academy, and I am also incredibly thankful the trust you as families place in me/Summit Basketball Academy. Thank you for continuing to support our vision and belief that development done right leads to the best long-term outcomes!

Matt